In our teaching series, “Stay Out”, we’ve been inviting God into uncomfortable places in our lives. You might be wondering, “How can entertainment be uncomfortable?” Well, think back to a time when you watched something with your parents that made you squirm in your seat. We’ve all been there, right? That awkward moment when you realize what’s on the screen isn’t exactly family-friendly. It’s a reminder that we often know what’s inappropriate, yet we still let it into our lives. This week, we’re diving into how we can invite God into our entertainment choices, ensuring they enrich rather than detract from our lives.
Entertainment: A Gift or a Distraction?
Entertainment isn’t inherently bad. It’s a gift that allows us to enjoy the talents and creativity God has given people. Whether it’s movies, music, books, or social media, these can all be sources of joy and relaxation. However, the key is to ensure that our entertainment choices contribute to a rich and satisfying life, as Jesus promises in John 10:10, rather than allowing them to consume us.
The Enemy’s Strategy
There’s an enemy who wants to use entertainment to steal our time, kill our creativity, and destroy our relationships. It’s crucial to be aware of this and to ask ourselves some important questions about our entertainment habits: Is it beneficial? Is it wasting time I should spend elsewhere? Is it draining mental energy I need for more important things?
What Goes In, Comes Out
Jesus teaches us in Luke 11:34-36 that what we take in matters. If we fill our lives with light, our whole being will be radiant. Conversely, if we consume darkness, it will reflect in our actions and attitudes. This principle is simple yet profound: what goes in is what comes out. Just like King David, who learned the hard way with Bathsheba, we must be vigilant about what we allow into our lives.
Practical Steps to a Life-Giving Environment
- Pay Attention: Be mindful of what you watch and listen to. If it doesn’t align with your values, it might be time to say, “Not in my house.”
- Set Time Limits: Use technology to your advantage by setting limits on your apps and devices. This can help you avoid mindless scrolling and focus on what truly matters.
- Engage with Others: Instead of isolating yourself with screens, make an effort to connect with people. Whether it’s family, friends, or new acquaintances, relationships are life-giving.
- Remove Phones from the Bedroom: This simple change can improve your sleep and give you time to reflect on your day and pray.
Conclusion
The point is, entertainment should add to your life, not take away from it. Jesus wants you to have a rich and satisfying life, and that means being intentional about what you consume. So, what will you do this week to invite God into your entertainment choices? Will you take a media fast or inventory your media consumption? Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on the abundant life Jesus offers. We’ve put together some resources that may help you HERE.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of entertainment and the joy it brings. Help us to be mindful of what we consume and to invite you into every area of our lives. Guide us to make choices that honor you and enrich our lives. Amen.
